Chapter 22

Chapter 22 A Challenge

The girl on stage had defined, exquisite features and flawless looks on that most perfectly oval–shaped face to go with her almost nine–head tall frame. Her package practically reduced Situ Qingshan beside her to a figurative ugly–duckling.

Never mind the ugly–duckling, even ordinary swans would be put to shame before the real swan–princess.

Most significantly was the fact that she wore no make–up. There was no telling how breathtaking she would be if she had put some color on, as a girl like her could overshadow even the female stars in the beauty–laden entertainment industry.

No one dislikes beautiful women. Not even the girls present at the ceremony whose eyes glistened in awe.

By just standing there, Mu Xia was that brightest light who condemned Situ Qingshan to a mere wallflower, drawing away all the attention that ought to have belonged to the latter without exception.

Ye Sijue's eyes, too, were riveted as well, as if everyone else had become non–existent to him.

The manner in which Situ Qingshan's eyes reddened in jealousy did not elude Mu Xia. The former's rage and anguish were exactly what she wanted, but she quickly averted her gaze and walked right up to Ye Sijue. "Why did you…"

Then, Ye Sijue interjected, "I haven't decided whether to marry you, so consider this a little forwarding of interest."

Mu Xia was stumped, as she wondered whether it was solely for the payment of interest that he decided to hand such a critical endorsement role to her.

She had no idea what was going on inside Ye Sijue's head, but she felt that that role would be worth taking up just to see Mu Xinyue and Situ Qingshan throw a fit.

Ye Sijue took up the microphone. "As you may understand, Midnight Coffee Café has always picked the winner of the coffee competition to be our spokesperson, but I've decided that this year, we'll only choose the one whose image best represents our brand. That, I feel, belongs to Ms. Mu. So, why don't you come forward and say a few words to all our friends out there?"

Mu Xia took over from Ye Sijue and was about to speak when someone rushed out and snatched the microphone from her.

"I won't stand for this!"

When Mu Xia reflexively turned around, her gaze collided head–along into Situ Qingshan's, whose reaction came as no surprise to her.

Mu Xia's brows perked up, questioningly. "What are you doing, Qingshan?"

Situ Qingshan ignored her and addressed the crowd directly instead. "The brand ambassador of the coffee shop has always been selected from amongst those who have proved themselves to be the most proficient at latte art. How could someone with no knowledge of it was chosen this year? This is just unacceptable!"

Mu Xinyue was the first to take to her feet.

"That's right, Young Master Ye! Your decision is too arbitrary and unprecedented, and we should have been informed even if you wish to make an exception to this. How can you have a country girl who isn't even a coffee drinker become your brand ambassador?"

Mu Xinyue's words had the entire hall uproarious.

"A girl from the countryside? This chosen ambassador can't carry the image of an international chain like Midnight Coffee Café!"

"Disregarding the fact that she's from the country, but not even a coffee drinker? That's a little too much."

Emboldened by the supportive crowd, Situ Qingshan spoke into the microphone again, "Don't tell us that you've seduced your way into this role, Xia?"

Mu Xia's dagger–like icy stare gave Situ Qingshan quite a fright, while Ye Sijue's even colder glare unnerved the latter so much that she dared not even look at him twice.

She took a deep drawl and a moment to collect herself before she continued, "Otherwise, kindly explain to us how someone who doesn't even drink coffee managed to snag this endorsement role."

"Who told you that I don't drink coffee?" Mu Xia retorted calmly.

That drew a sneer from Situ Qingshan. "Then, do you dare accept my challenge? If you could beat me at latte art, then I'd willingly give up the role of brand ambassador to you!"